TUESDAY- FIRST WEEK OF LENT- YEAR-A

I Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11: My word shall succeed in what it was sent to do.

Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15: You should pray like this.

The Three Great Rules for Prayer, Mt 6:7-8

Our prayers are not measured by length or devotion or fluency or recitation. Jesus teaches the true meaning of prayer in life.

1. Rule 1: Do not use meaningless repetition (v.7)

2. Rule 2: Do not speak much (v.7)

3. Rule 3: Trust God (v.8)

a. He knows your needs

b. He desires to hear your prayer

The Model Prayer, Mt 6:9-13

Jesus taught the model prayer, note the words, “This, then, is how you should pray.”

1. There is surrender and acknowledgement (v.9)

a. To our Father in heaven

b. To God’s holy name

2. There is a request and plea (v.10-13)

a. For God’s kingdom

b. For God’s will

c. For daily bread

d. For forgiveness

e. For deliverance

3. There is praise and commitment (v.13)

The Basic Principle of Prayer, Mt 6:14-15

Jesus taught the basic principle of prayer is the forgiveness.

1. The promise: Forgive others and be forgiven (v.14)

2. The warning: Refuse to forgive others and be unforgiven (v.15)

Thought: Temptation is a part of human and divine life. Jesus had victory over temptation doing the will of God. Jesus said to his disciples, you pray always so that you will not fall into temptation (Lk 22:40). We can overcome temptations through our great faith in Jesus, prayer, fasting, alms giving, good works, strong determination to pray and fight against sin and temptation.

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